The Israeli army initiated a controlled transfer of authority over three villages located in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army on Monday, according to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF issued a formal declaration detailing the parameters of the operation. The statement specified that the IDF would adjust the positioning of its forces within the designated pilot zones.
This adjustment, the IDF noted, would allow the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to execute their mandated duties while simultaneously ensuring the safety of IDF personnel. Furthermore, the declaration affirmed the IDF’s retained right to self-defense and the capacity to remove perceived threats within the area. According to the official release, this phased withdrawal constitutes a structured pilot program intended to assess the sovereignty of the Lebanese Army within the three pilot villages.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the United States intends to monitor the progress of this withdrawal. This partial handover of operational control is understood to be part of a larger framework comprising 14 points, previously agreed upon between Israel and Lebanon. The implementation of this program marks a significant operational shift, guided by the parameters set forth in the bilateral agreement.
Topics: #pilot #army #program
